I read this thread when the first couple posts initially appeared. The first thing I also thought of, was my Ruger Mk III, and Ruger Single Six.

But soon after I thought of the little Walther P22 I bought when they first came out.
I could shoot that little pistol with more ease and accuracy offhand plinking - than I could my Rugers.
That little pistol slipped comfortably into a pants pocket or jacket pocket, and went just about anywhere I went.

It was tough, dependable, fun, and would be well suited for the close work that the OP specified.

I had two Walther P22's one short barrel model, which a friends sister wanted and I sold to her
because I saw a longer barreled Target Model which thought I wanted - but also later sold.

I always wanted to replace my standard P22 but always bought something else instead.

NOW, I want to replace my old P22 with the:

<> <> https://www.cdnnsports.com/walther-ppq-22lr.html?__SID=U#.WsLuleSWyM8 <> <>

- - - WALTHER PPQ M2 22LR, which are Walther's top-of-the-line pistols, with an excellent + trigger!